With your battle complete, and your injuries sort of patched up, you're finally free to catch your breath... at least until the terminal flares to life again. Your brief conversation with the person on the other end may have left you with more questions than answers, but they are true to their world. Next to the terminal, a glowing golden portal suddenly appears - blinding in its light and large enough for only a couple of you to enter at a time. Regardless, it remains open, showcasing a strange, warehouse-looking building on the other side, with a long hallway and several closed doors. It's not entirely clear where this new location will be, but at least it doesn't seem to have spider robots or be out in space.
/// L O A D I N G . . .
I've got everything ready on my end.
I'll explain everything to you once you're here.
No more secrets, I promise.
Please watch your step, and make sure everyone comes along!
Staying behind is not an option. Whether you trust the person on the other end of the terminal or not, it seems this is your only path forward. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and step through the portal.
THE BASE
The light begins to clear as the last of you enter the portal and come out unharmed on the other side. You'll notice immediately that the portal displayed the exact place you've ended up - a fairly run-down warehouse, with you all standing in a hallway that extends in front of you, lined with doors that are shut. Before you go wandering off, you might want to turn around - after all, you can hear the whirring of machinery behind you.
You'll find that there's another set of doors there - one that is closed and another that leads into a larger room that seems to be a makeshift lab and control room all rolled into one. There are monitors carefully (but a bit haphazardly) strewn across the room, the wiring capably done but rather unprofessional. One of the screens shows a diagram of a gemstone, another shows a list of coordinates that don't make any sense, a third seems to be showing security cameras... basically exactly what you'd expect for someone's base of operations.
And that base of operations is staffed by... well, you'll have to look down, as he's not exactly human height.
Standing before you is someone unfamiliar to all of you. He's not very tall, but he stands out from the crowd with his yellow fur, bright blue eyes, and twin tails. He's an anthropomorphic fox and he's looking at you all a bit nervously, waving a hand in greeting.
"Um, hi." He says. "I'm really sorry about the confusion. And the robots. And your missing memories. And your injuries. I really didn't expect things to turn out like this..." He trails off nervously, scratching his cheek before forcing a smile again. "But thank you so much for agreeing to help us. My name is Tails. I'm one of the members of the resistance.
"There are medical supplies here, for you guys to use. I'm sorry, I'm not a medic..." Sure enough, you have access to quite a few medical supplies present in this room! Go right ahead and patch up your friends with the good stuff. You've even got painkillers here!
He clears his throat and continues. "Like I said, no more secrets. I couldn't tell you everything while you were in that other world, because I was afraid of my transmissions being picked up by the Doctor. You guys are the only hope for this world, because the three of us can't beat him alone. So we had to turn to help elsewhere.
"Doctor Robotnik - or Eggman, as we call him - is a genius scientist. He's made a lot of robots and gadgets, but that's not the reason why we need your help. He's got an item of immense power - the Master Emerald. With it, anything he thinks and desires can become reality. He made a giant robot from pieces of cars, trucks, trains, you name it! And that giant robot alone is enough to pose a huge threat to the city, but he didn't stop there.
"The entire world is controlled by him. He even controls the minds of all the people native to this world. They can't fight against him. They act like mindless drones, going about their daily tasks with no way to fight back. And he's created a lot of robots - they might even outnumber the people, at this point! Everything and everyone is under his control."
A brief pause as Tails breathes and steadies himself. "But my friends and I are able to fight back. We have to fight back. And you guys agreed to help us. I'm sorry that you don't remember it, but my friend Sonic spoke with each one of you. He told you about what's going on here and he asked for your help. And all of you said you'd come help us.
"I'll do my best to answer any questions you have. But right now, I'm the only one here. I lost contact with Knuckles at the start of this week, and I've been trying to figure out what happened. Sonic's been trying to find help in other worlds, so communication with him has been spotty. But I'll let him know that you guys are here now, so he should return soon!"
Tails exhales and forces a smile. "Together, we can defeat Eggman."
THE AFTERMATH
Though it's a lot of information to take in, Tails will happily answer any questions you all may have. He tells you that this warehouse is their base of operations, hidden right under the nose of Eggman's forces. Unfortunately, they need to be very careful because robots are always on patrol - and are specifically looking for the three of them. For now, it's best for you all to remain near the warehouse and travel in pairs, if you do go out into the city for any reason.
You'll find that those closed doors lead to rooms that have been set up for all of you. They're a little lacking, with only two beds, two desks and chairs, and two trunks for you to store your belongings in. Though you do have some changes of clothes in the closets, the designs may not be to your liking. They were picked out for you by three animals who only wear shoes and gloves, so...
Get ready, because it looks like you've a lot of work ahead of you.
[Raven should probably be having a real one like some of the others are, but honestly? He's doing pretty good, all things considered. Still in a lot of pain from his injury, but hey, he's still kickin' somehow.
He's been transferred to one of the rooms and is just vibing in bed there until he feels good enough to get up and move around. It might be a bit, so he's in a prime position to be accosted if need be. Or if anyone wants to chat with him, there's that too. He could probably use the company. It's boring being stuck in bed, woe is him, etc.]
[That starts out confident and then slowly descends into something resembling concern. WHY DOES PERCY LOOK SO MAD TO SEE HIM??? Whatever he's pressing on.]
[ His expression is neutral, voice perfectly even, leveled – practiced like his usual self tends to be. Gently, he closes the door behind him, and then he walks a little closer to the foot of Raven's bed.
He balls his hands into fists at his sides...and, yep! He might be tearing up again. ]
What the fuck.
[ He's not yelling, but his voice may be a little raised, sorry Raven... ]
Raven – why? Why did you do that?! You could've- [ He hiccups. ] don't fucking do that ever again, you hear me? Not for me. Just –
[ ... ]
I'm grateful. I'm really grateful, but you shouldn't just...you shouldn't just throw your life away for someone you don't even know.
[As soon as Percy moves to close the door, Raven knows what's coming and he's ready to be annoying and blow the whole thing off like it was no big deal. It's his classic MO.
What he doesn't know, however, is how it's going to go down. He doesn't expect Percy to start crying over him like that. Oh, kiddo...
He smiles, but it's a sad and guilty sort of smile.]
It's true that I don't know ya that well, but I wasn't about ta let a kid take that sort of a hit. It's an elder's job ta look out fer the youngin's. So I just...acted.
[It's like if one of the kids from Brave Vesperia was in danger. If he's right there, why not try to keep them out of trouble.]
If it was my time ta go, then it was my time ta go. Can't say I've been afraid of that possibility in a looong time.
[ Listening to Raven talk hurts, it hurts in a way that makes him so uneasy and so upset because he gets it. He's similar. But he's not ready to die (again) like Raven seems to be, and if he had back there, he would've died because of his own mistakes, without having taken someone else down with him. That, he could've probably accepted.
If it weren't for his conversation with Ashley, he probably wouldn't even want to dig any deeper into this, but he's decided he's committed to saying something, if only because he's mad at Raven and wants him to understand where he's coming from. ]
...It was supposed to be mine before I even got here. [ Yeah. ] Raven, I'm supposed to be dead. I was killed at least a month before I was brought here. And I'm not trying to get myself killed again – [ He wipes his eyes. ] but it's not worth giving everything up for me, even if I'm a "kid".
[Raven's eyes widen considerably at the reveal, mouth slightly agape. This is all making him feel a certain way and he obviously doesn't know what to do with it for a moment.]
I... [He swallows.] I'm sorry ya had ta go through somethin' like that. Dyin' and comin' back... I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
In a way, yeah. Don't get me wrong, though, I'm glad I'm alive again, but getting there...
[ It sucked a lot, actually. ]
Anyway, that's why you don't...have to do that. I froze up and didn't move, and that really didn't do me any favors on the day I died, so I don't want you to put yourself in danger for my mistakes.
["At least someone came back and was okay with it." Raven thinks to himself.
He sinks further back into his pillow, gaze drifting to the ceiling. Percy's words are slowly but surely getting through to him- making him think about what happened differently.]
If that's what ya want, then I'd be a real stubborn old fool ta keep doin' it.
[Hey Raven, it's the absolute last person you probably want to see. But perhaps surprisingly, she's actually got a little tray in her arms, peering inside for a moment before just...
Walking in like she owns the place.]
Ah, Raven, you're awake. Here; it's not much, but hopefully this should help you recover your strength.
I had figured that you may wish for some time to recover before I give you an earful. [this counts as dorothy making an attempt. i'm so sorry.] I'm...furious with what happened, yes, but yelling at you in such a state is far more likely to make your injuries flare again. And I would rather not have that.
[...]
...And you did do it for the sake of someone else. I can at least not fault you for that.
I understand that. I can't say I did particularly well at upholding that, myself, but the fact that nobody died today is proof that they at least work for us.
[Let her just give him the food, then; Dorothy just kind of stands there, afterward.]
Even so, you should try to remember that you're mortal. At least leave the defense of others to people who can be repaired easily.
[dorothy you literally cannot be everywhere at once???]
Dorothy considers for a second if it...really matters, after today, if people know she's not human. She's already made the leap in telling some people, and they're away from a fair portion of the danger. She's proven herself, hasn't she?
(Hasn't she...?)]
I'm not human; though I may look it, I'm what my world calls a Nikke. A weapon made specifically for taking on the Raptures of my world, but I can take on just about anything thrown in front of me.
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He's been transferred to one of the rooms and is just vibing in bed there until he feels good enough to get up and move around. It might be a bit, so he's in a prime position to be accosted if need be. Or if anyone wants to chat with him, there's that too. He could probably use the company. It's boring being stuck in bed, woe is him, etc.]
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...Oh. Oh, no, it isn't. ]
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[That starts out confident and then slowly descends into something resembling concern. WHY DOES PERCY LOOK SO MAD TO SEE HIM??? Whatever he's pressing on.]
Come ta entertain ol' Raven while he recovers?
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[ His expression is neutral, voice perfectly even, leveled – practiced like his usual self tends to be. Gently, he closes the door behind him, and then he walks a little closer to the foot of Raven's bed.
He balls his hands into fists at his sides...and, yep! He might be tearing up again. ]
What the fuck.
[ He's not yelling, but his voice may be a little raised, sorry Raven... ]
Raven – why? Why did you do that?! You could've- [ He hiccups. ] don't fucking do that ever again, you hear me? Not for me. Just –
[ ... ]
I'm grateful. I'm really grateful, but you shouldn't just...you shouldn't just throw your life away for someone you don't even know.
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What he doesn't know, however, is how it's going to go down. He doesn't expect Percy to start crying over him like that. Oh, kiddo...
He smiles, but it's a sad and guilty sort of smile.]
It's true that I don't know ya that well, but I wasn't about ta let a kid take that sort of a hit. It's an elder's job ta look out fer the youngin's. So I just...acted.
[It's like if one of the kids from Brave Vesperia was in danger. If he's right there, why not try to keep them out of trouble.]
If it was my time ta go, then it was my time ta go. Can't say I've been afraid of that possibility in a looong time.
cw suicidal ideation just in case
If it weren't for his conversation with Ashley, he probably wouldn't even want to dig any deeper into this, but he's decided he's committed to saying something, if only because he's mad at Raven and wants him to understand where he's coming from. ]
...It was supposed to be mine before I even got here. [ Yeah. ] Raven, I'm supposed to be dead. I was killed at least a month before I was brought here. And I'm not trying to get myself killed again – [ He wipes his eyes. ] but it's not worth giving everything up for me, even if I'm a "kid".
putting a blanket cw on the thread
I... [He swallows.] I'm sorry ya had ta go through somethin' like that. Dyin' and comin' back... I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
yeah.....
In a way, yeah. Don't get me wrong, though, I'm glad I'm alive again, but getting there...
[ It sucked a lot, actually. ]
Anyway, that's why you don't...have to do that. I froze up and didn't move, and that really didn't do me any favors on the day I died, so I don't want you to put yourself in danger for my mistakes.
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He sinks further back into his pillow, gaze drifting to the ceiling. Percy's words are slowly but surely getting through to him- making him think about what happened differently.]
If that's what ya want, then I'd be a real stubborn old fool ta keep doin' it.
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Ah, here's Raven! He was wondering if a certain old man bit the dust, but...]
...What happened to you?
[sheesh you really do have one foot in the grave—]
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[Well, Yeager can explain later since he's definitely going some explaining to do first.]
This old man miiiighta gotten himself caught in an explosion. I was actually worse off than this before Wolfwood got ta me, if ya can believe it.
[Teehee oopsie.]
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[like it was a tragic accident?????]
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One of the robots we were fightin' decided ta go out with a bang, and I put myself in front of Percy ta take his hit.
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Hmm.
...Don't like that?]
Well, I can hardly blame you, I suppose. Are you...
[going to be alright, but that's an insanely stupid thing to end on, considering who Raven is. Yeager blinks and shakes his head with a laugh.]
Well, you'd better recover soon, because I'm not bringing you alcohol.
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What? Why?! I was bankin' on ya goin' out fer me!
[YEAGER!!!!]
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When have I ever done what you wanted?
[DID YOU FORGET WHO YOU'RE DEALING WITH HERE???]
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Walking in like she owns the place.]
Ah, Raven, you're awake. Here; it's not much, but hopefully this should help you recover your strength.
How are you feeling?
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[It's a surprise to see her, at the very least. And she's even brought him some food?
He shuffles to sit himself up a bit, eyebrows raised.]
Can't say I was expectin' this. You're not here ta give me an earful?
[That's not an answer to her question...]
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Would you like one.
[Eye. Twitch.]
I had figured that you may wish for some time to recover before I give you an earful. [this counts as dorothy making an attempt. i'm so sorry.] I'm...furious with what happened, yes, but yelling at you in such a state is far more likely to make your injuries flare again. And I would rather not have that.
[...]
...And you did do it for the sake of someone else. I can at least not fault you for that.
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N-No...
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I wasn't actively lookin' ta get myself hurt. I guess I just can't turn off my protective instincts no matter how hard I try.
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[Let her just give him the food, then; Dorothy just kind of stands there, afterward.]
Even so, you should try to remember that you're mortal. At least leave the defense of others to people who can be repaired easily.
[dorothy you literally cannot be everywhere at once???]
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[He doesn't...know the Nikke thing...]
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Dorothy considers for a second if it...really matters, after today, if people know she's not human. She's already made the leap in telling some people, and they're away from a fair portion of the danger. She's proven herself, hasn't she?
(Hasn't she...?)]
I'm not human; though I may look it, I'm what my world calls a Nikke. A weapon made specifically for taking on the Raptures of my world, but I can take on just about anything thrown in front of me.
It's what I was made for, after all.
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